Opinion | Political Gumbo: Who Watches the Watchmen

Enjoyed the POP! forum on policing and immigration last week.

Several candidates said they support civilian oversight of the Pasadena Police Department. It’s a good idea.

However, to date, nobody has pushed forward a plan that works.

The problem is who picks the watchmen.

If you are of the idea that the department and our city leaders are corrupt or engage in department cover-ups, then how could you depend on those same leaders to choose an impartial committee?

I’ve also heard the independent auditor idea, hired by the city. See above.

Either could lead to even more calls for investigations and firings during a critical shooting after the PRAs and accusations of ethics violations start to fly. If you don’t believe me, take a look at the city’s cannabis process. If you have an idea for civilian oversight, send it to andrec@pasadenanowmagazine.com.

Also had a chance to meet the new PW’s new Deputy Editor Matthew Rodgriguez at the forum. Go get ’em Matthew.

More cannabis: I don’t partake, but you almost needed to light one up and take a long hit to follow the city’s discussion on where to end the measurement from the Integral Associated Dena LLC proposed location.

The Planning Commission couldn’t agree if the required 600-foot measurement should end at the property lines of the nearest residentially zoned parcel, the nearest residential zone boundary line, the residentially zoned portion of the split zoned parcel which is partly residential and partly commercial and the commercially zoned portion of property lines of split zoned parcels which are partly residential and partly commercial.

City staff interpretation was the measurement should be to the boundary of the nearest residential zone. It comes out to 602 feet.

Integral is in.

District 4: Charlotte Bland seems to be the only District 4 candidate consistently attending forums. Incumbent Gene Masuda attended the housing forum, but did not attend the POP! Forum.

So far, I have not seen Joe Baghdadlian or Kevin Wheeler at any of the forums. I don’t get a vote in District 4, but the more contact between candidate and residents the better for all parties, I say.

Just saw the Climate Action Forum lineup, Bland is the only District 4 candidate scheduled to attend. Endorsements will be interesting.

More Climate Action Forum: The kids calling on the City Council to sign an emergency declaration should get more involved in amending the city’s climate action plan.

Good for the local youth for calling the council out, good for the council for the moderate push back and calling on them to get involved. The issue is real, and deserves attention.

Final Word: Thanks for all the favorable responses to the afternoon edition last week. More news to come soon.